I can see clearly now..... (Specsavers Opticians)

Member Name: hypno06

Product:	Specsavers Opticians
Date:	30/07/09 (112 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great choice, good prices

Disadvantages: Staff need to look busy!

I sit here, typing this review, proudly sporting my new specs. And as a result I can see my screen and the words thereon more clearly....

I have worn glasses on and off for about 14 years - for the typical short sightedness that comes with age. Throughout that time I have had several pairs of glasses, and toyed with the idea of contact lenses, but always decided against it, and have generally bought my specs either from Boots the Opticians, when they have offers on, and extra advantage points too, or from Specsavers, simply because they have a great choice, and have never yet let me down.

I will admit, that this time round, I did not have my eyes tested at Specsavers, but at another local opticians because I had a free voucher for an eye test that I wasn't prepared to throw away. I was fully prepared to actually purchase my glasses from that "other" store, but as their customer service seemed non-existant as I loitered around the displays waiting for someone to ask if I wanted any assistance, I simply put my prescription in my bag and walked out.

Although I had my eyes tested elsewhere this time, I have often had my eyes tested at Specsavers, as have my children who both wear glasses, and I have never been disappointed with the service that I have received.

Some weeks later, I found the time to go hunting for my new glasses and, deciding that I had no loyalty, I spent some time visiting many different opticians to browse their displays. However, it was at Specsavers, once again, that I found what I was looking for.

Within a few seconds of picking up a pair of display frames, a staff member was there to help if I wanted advice, or comment. I have quite a small head (hahaha) and so adult frames are often too wide, and I have occasionally in the past bought childrens' frames as they fit so much better. (And no, I never DID buy the Barbie ones.......). However, whenever I look at the "Teens" section of a store, I have staff members trying to steer me away, despite my explanation of needing small frames. I cynically assume it is because they can get more out of me if I buy full price adult frames.....

But, in specsavers, they don't try and get me to buy anything other than something that fits, and suits.

Within just a few moments, I had found the pair that I wanted - an adult pair of designer frames. I would have liked a cheaper price tag, but these fit me so well, I decided it would be worth paying the extra. I was guided to a "fitting station" and as someone came over to arrange the lenses etc, I was asked if I wanted a second pair free. Now, I know my eyesight was poor, but I had not seen any posters etc saying 2nd Pair Free, so I was pleasantly surprised that this was offered to me......so off I went to pick a second pair that I would use for sunglasses, very happy that I was now able to have 2 pairs of designer frames without it costing me any more!

Both frames chosen, I was measured and the lenses ordered. I was told that the lenses I needed were not in stock so they would be ready by Friday. This was a bit of a problem because I was going away on holiday on Friday, so could they possibly be ready by Thursday. The lady said that she would put down a required date of Thursday and would call me to let me know when they were in.

We discussed "extras" like anti glare coatings, and I was pleased that you could actually see examples rather than just take their word for the effectiveness of such things.

I had a choice of paying a 50% deposit with the balance on collection, or to pay the full price there and then, which is the option I chose.

Thursday came and no call came, so eventually I had to ring the branch to ask if my glasses were in. I was told that they were, so I was a bit miffed that no one had called me, especially as the lady I was dealing with knew I was going away the following day.....

Anyway, I went in, waited just a few moments for my new glasses to be made perfectly comfortable, as the arms were just a little too long, and away I went.....armed with 2 pairs of new glasses, designer frames, at an average cost of £75 per pair, which I feel is really rather good.

I would like to award 5 stars to Specsavers - I really would, but I am knocking half a star off for not calling me to tell me that my glasses were ready for collection, and half a star for the fact that there were lots of "spare" staff hanging around, not helping customers but simply chatting to each other......surely they could find something to do to at least look busy.

Specsavers will automatically send me an appointment when it is time to have my eyes tested again, so I never need forget that my prescription is out of date.

The only other downside to my new specs, is that I can see the murky fingerprints on my laptop screen much more clearly now......so now have to go and find the cleaning stuff.......

Summary: I'm very happy with my purchase.